Publications

In Heilongjiang province, the HIV prevalence in men who have sex with men (MSM) is generally lower than other part of China. However, the official perception for their risk of HIV/AIDS infection has been increasing in the province over the years. Moreover, little information on HIV/AIDS was provided to the communities so that we have disadvantage of controlling HIV/AIDS epidemic in the region. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of HIV among MSM in Heilongjiang province, to assess their knowledge levels and risk behaviors related to HIV/AIDS, and to explore their associations with information resources. A cross-sectional study using a standardized questionnaire and blood test was administered in 2008 by local interviewers to a sample (1353) of MSM in four cities in Heilongjiang province.

The number of Koreans diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections is increasing annually; however, CD4+ T-cell counts at diagnosis have decreased. The purpose of the present study was to identify clinical and epidemiologic associations with low CD4+ T-cell counts at the time of HIV diagnosis in a Korean population. Data from 2,299 HIV-infected individuals with initial CD4+ T-cell counts measured within 6 months of HIV diagnosis and reason for HIV testing were recorded and measured from 2000 to 2007. Data were selected from the database of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Late diagnosis was defined by CD4+ T-cell counts<200 cells/mm3. Reasons for HIV testing were analyzed using logistic regression including epidemiologic variables.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) have been harshly and disproportionately impacted upon by HIV and continue to be a major driver of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the world. In the United States, MSM accounted for approximately 45% of newly reported HIV/AIDS diagnoses in 2006 and nearly 54% of cumulative AIDS diagnoses. The prevalences of HIV and STDs were high among MSM in Chengdu. To prevent HIV/STDs, campaigns promoting condom use are needed not only to boost the frequency of condom use, but also to educate MSM about proper condom use.

This profile resulted from the collaborative efforts of the various agencies and institutions that comprise RMI Epidemiological Outcomes Workgroup (RMI Epi Workgroup) with coordination by Marshall Islands Epidemiology and Prevention Initiatives Inc. (MIEPI).  In this 2010 National Epi Profile, MIEPI has been able to collect additional substance abuse related data for the SPF SIG Bobrae Project through collaboration with project partners including WUTMI, PPP, and YTYIH. RMI will also continue to improve its RMI Epi Profile to integrate substance abuse treatment, recovery and mental health related data. 

HIV is a significant public health issue for Indonesia which, outside the Papuan provinces, has been largely driven by injecting drug use. The majority of people who inject drugs in Indonesia are men, so most of the research relating to HIV and injecting drug use has been with men. However, international experience identifies that the experience of women who inject is different to that of men and that gender-specific HIV prevention strategies are needed. Therefore, information about women who inject drugs in Indonesia is necessary for HIV policy and programs. 

The new National HIV and AIDS Strategy, 2011-2015 seeks to build on past achievements and address shortcomings in PNG’s response to the HIV epidemic. The NHS replaces the National Strategic Plan on HIV/AIDS, 2006-2010 (NSP). Its overarching goal is to reduce transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI) and minimise their impact on individuals, families and communities. While there has been considerable progress in the response to HIV and AIDS, particularly considering the difficulties posed by PNG’s diverse geography, culture and complex epidemic, the harsh reality is that the HIV epidemic has been outpacing the national response. To address this, this new national strategy is significantly different to the previous NSP.

Asia Catalyst created Know It, Prove It, Change It: A Rights Curriculum for Grassroots Groups, in collaboration with Thai AIDS Treatment Action Group (TTAG) and Dongjen Center for Human Rights Education and Action. The curriculum was designed to help CBOs in communities affected by HIV/AIDS to understand their human rights, to document human rights abuses, and to design and implement rights-based advocacy campaigns. Each book includes a trainers manual, which describes the steps to take; and a Trainers Supplement, which provides lesson plans, sample exercises, and templates to use in a training or workshop. The Practical Field Guide for Community Based Human Rights Documentation is a companion guide to Asia Catalyst’s Know It, Prove It, Change It: A Rights Curriculum for Grassroots Groups. This shorter guide details the essentials CBOs need to run a documentation project in the field.

On the cusp of the fourth decade of the AIDS epidemic, the world has turned the corner—it has halted and begun to reverse the spread of HIV (Millennium Development Goal 6.A). The question remains how quickly the response can chart a new course towards UNAIDS’ vision of zero discrimination, zero new HIV infections, and zero AIDS-related deaths through universal access to effective HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. At a time of financial constraint, good investments are more important than ever. The evidence supporting increased investment in the HIV response has never been clearer or more compelling. New data from 182 countries, along with extensive input from civil society and other sources, clearly show that steady progress is being made towards achieving universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. HIV prevention is working. Treatment is working.

The 2008/2009 HIV estimates were generated through a systematic process that included consultation with experts in the field of biostatistics and epidemiology and who represented premier Indian institutions, and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and World Health Organisation (WHO). This report highlights the India HIV estimates 2008/2009.

The 2010 Cambodia Most at Risk Young People Survey (MARYPS 2010) is a follow up of an earlier survey conducted in 2004 in Cambodia to obtain data on the situation, behaviors and sexual and reproductive health of most at risk young people (MARYP). The goal of the survey was to provide the policymakers and planners with reliable data on alcohol, drug and sex related behaviors and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services among MARYP.